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Dr Paul Roberts - City St George’s, University of London - £13,910

This project explores a new approach to understanding retinal disease by using mathematical modelling. By simulating how the retina uses nutrients and removes waste, the research aims to provide insights that are difficult to obtain through traditional experiments alone.

Dr Michael O’Hare - Queen’s University, Belfast - £25,000

The research project explores how a protein called EFEMP1 may contribute to the growth of leaky blood vessels in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Doyne’s honeycomb retinal dystrophy. By testing whether existing approved drugs can block this harmful interaction, the study aims to identify a potential new treatment that could be repurposed to help people affected by these conditions.

Dr Eleni Beli, Queen’s University Belfast - £25,000

Circadian rhythms affect many processes in the eye. This research investigates the link between day length and the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by exposing mice to day lengths made artificially either longer or shorter than 24 hours.

Prof Heidi de Wet, University of Oxford - £25,000

This research project investigates the protein ABCC5 and its role in diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

Dr Takeshi Yoshimatsu, University of Sussex - £25,000

One of the constraints that research into macular disease can come up against is that very few animals have a macula, making it difficult to mimic the human eye.

Dr Dirk Seidel, Glasgow Caledonian University - £23,396

Macular damage impairs the ability to scan text. A healthy eye has pauses in the scanning process and this improves reading speed, accuracy and the overall pleasure in reading. This project will try to improve reading apps by mimicking these natural features of the eye.

Dr Samantha de Silva, University of Oxford - £24,930

Establishing the link between the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and lipid (fat) metabolism and learning what effect this has on the development of AMD.

Professor Susan Downes, Oxford University - £21,380

This project aims to identify the gene that causes some people who are prescribed hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to develop retinopathy after long term use.

The importance of research into macular disease

Research into macular disease is underfunded in the UK. However, we see first-hand how important research can be for those with macular conditions. Every day we hear of the hope and faith our members have in the research we fund, and in all the research that goes on in the field.

As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) we have to follow a number of research policies. These policies aim to ensure the best quality research is funded, and to support the research and patient communities, to drive forward positive change.